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Tour de France La Plagne, Stage 19: Everything You Need to Know
EDIT – UPDATE: Stage 19 – Albertville to La Plagne (Friday 25 July 2025)
⚠️ Important last‑minute changes have been made to Stage 19 following a disease outbreak among cattle near the Col des Saisies. Race organisers, in consultation with authorities, have rerouted the stage to bypass the affected area.
- The Col des Saisies (plus the Côte d'Héry‑sur‑Ugine) climbs have been removed from the route.
- The stage will now be just 95 km instead of the originally planned 129.9 km.
- The ceremonial start remains at the exit of Albertville, followed by a 7 km neutralised section.
- The official race start is now on the D925, one hour later at 14:30 local time.
- Riders will rejoin the original route just before Beaufort (km 52.4) of the original schedule.
In short: avoid heading to Col des Saisies today (it’s no longer on the stage), track the new timings, and plan to catch the race after the neutral start. The finish is still at La Plagne.
Tour de France La Plagne Stage 19
On Friday 25 July 2025, La Plagne will host a summit finish for Stage 19 of the Tour de France. It’s the first time the race has returned to the resort in over two decades.
As exciting as it is, planning a day out (or even a holiday) around the Tour can feel overwhelming, especially with a family in tow. Where to stay, what time to arrive, and how to navigate road closures are all big questions.
I live in La Plagne year-round and know just how transformational a Tour de France stage can be to our quiet alpine villages. I’ve also worked behind the scenes, volunteering at the Étape du Tour and even watching the peloton ride past the hotel I worked in during the Grand Départ in Corsica.
This guide gives you the full picture: stage profile, history, logistics, and my best insider tips to help you have an unforgettable (and low-stress) Tour de France experience with your family.
Let’s dive into all the need-to-knows, from where to watch and stay, to practical packing tips and crowd-free spots to enjoy the race.
A Historic Return to the Mountains
La Plagne has featured in the Tour de France four times before, most recently in 2002 when the stage finished with a solo win by Colombian rider Santiago Botero. But the resort’s most iconic Tour moment arguably came in 1987, when Ireland’s Stephen Roche collapsed after finishing just seconds behind his rival Delgado, keeping his yellow jersey in dramatic fashion. That day is etched into Tour history.
Other years La Plagne hosted a stage finish include 1984 and 1995, each time showcasing the region’s relentless mountain terrain and altitude.
The tour also came through the La Plagne Valley in 2023, passing through Longefoy. We're excited to see it back in the La Plagne peaks as other ski resorts in the Alps have had their moment in the spotlight. Tignes, Val Thorens, Les Gets, and Morzine have all been part of recent editions. Val Thorens was the final mountain stage of the 2019 Tour and remains the highest resort finish in Tour history.
The 2025 Stage 19: Albertville to La Plagne
Stage 19 at a Glance:
- Date: Friday 25 July 2025
- Start: Albertville
- Finish: La Plagne Villages (2,052m)
- Distance: Approx. 130km
- Elevation gain: ~4,500m
- Final climb: 19.1km at 7.2%, featuring 24 hairpin bends
This is one of the final big mountain tests of the 2025 Tour and could be pivotal for the general classification. The final climb into La Plagne is relentless, not just for the pros, but also for the thousands of amateur riders tackling it during the Étape du Tour, which takes place just five days earlier on Sunday 20 July.
My Personal Tour de France Memories
Back in 2013, I was working at a hotel in Moriani, Corsica. The Tour kicked off from Bonifacio for the Grand Départ. The peloton passed right by the hotel driveway, and we cheered them on from the sidelines, one of those surreal moments where work and the world’s biggest cycling race collided.
Later, I worked for a massage company at the Étape du Tour when it came to Val Thorens. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the event. The scale, the logistics, the stories from the riders. It’s part of why I love seeing the Tour return to places like La Plagne, and why I know how important good planning is if you're coming with kids.
What to Expect in La Plagne on Race Day
The Tour de France race day in La Plagne is going to feel completely different from a typical summer's day in the Alps. The whole resort comes alive, buzzing with excitement and movement. Here's what you can expect from the moment you wake up to the final rider crossing the finish line.
Morning: Calm Before the Crowds
- Expect the roads to start closing mid to late morning, both for security and to prepare for the sponsor caravan and the race itself.
- Local boulangeries and supermarkets will open early, so it’s worth stocking up on food, water, and snacks as soon as you can. Queues can form quickly, especially around Plagne Centre.
- If you’re planning to walk up to your viewing spot, allow plenty of time. Many people set off straight after breakfast to claim their patch of road.
Midday: Caravan Time
- The Tour de France caravan usually passes through 1.5 to 2 hours before the peloton arrives. It’s a real highlight for kids and families: colourful vehicles, pumping music, and lots of freebies tossed into the crowds.
- By this time, viewing spots will be busy. Expect people picnicking, playing games, or waving flags. It’s festive and fun, but busy, especially around the final climb and finish area.
Afternoon: Race Buzz
- The peloton’s arrival time can vary, but aim to be in place a good hour before the estimated schedule just in case they’re riding fast.
- Helicopters overhead, police motorbikes clearing the route, and then – suddenly! – the leaders are upon you. It’s quick, intense, and electrifying.
- If you’re near the finish line, big screens will show the race progress so you can follow every attack and descent live.
Evening: Celebrations and Congestion
- After the stage finishes, there’ll likely be entertainment in Plagne Centre. Imagine live music, barbecues, and plenty of people staying out for a celebratory drink.
- Restaurants and bars will be packed, so book ahead or eat early if you can.
- Roads typically remain closed for some time post-race, as logistics teams dismantle the barriers and the crowds disperse. Be prepared to walk, wait, or enjoy a slower evening before heading back to your accommodation.
Tour de France La Plagne: events timetable and entertainment
There’s so much more to a Tour de France stage in La Plagne than just the race itself. Expect a festival atmosphere, local cycling showcases, and fan zones packed with food, music, and big screens so you don’t miss a moment. Here’s exactly what’s happening and when:
Thursday 24 July
Donnons des Elles au Vélo – 6:15pm
A brilliant chance to show your support for women’s cycling. The Donnons des Elles au Vélo peloton – an all-women’s group riding every stage of the Tour a day ahead – will arrive at Plagne Villages.
Friday 25 July
Fan Zone – Place Albert Perrière, Plagne Centre
- Open 12pm to 9pm
- Stage of the day shown live on a giant screen
- Musical atmosphere all afternoon and evening
- Refreshment bar with beers, soft drinks and snacks run by Plagne Centre and Aime 2000 associations
Fan Zone – under Aspen, Plagne Centre
- Open 12pm to 6pm
- Live broadcast on a giant screen
- Refreshment bar run by local association AOM
- Partner stands from the 7th BCA, plus ASO partners including Road Safety, Panzani and Skoda
Passage of the Local Cycling Peloton – around 1pm
Keep an eye out for 50 local cyclists, dressed in La Plagne colours, tackling the final climb from Provagnes to Plagne Villages. The peloton brings together riders from local sports clubs, the 7th Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins, and some local champions including Romain Heinrich, Léo Ducros, Antoine Adelisse and Marion Chevrier. (There are no more places to join this ride, but you can still register to ride with Donnons des Elles au Vélo the day before.)
Passage of the Publicity Caravan – from 3pm
An absolute highlight for families: the Tour’s famous publicity caravan passes through Aime at around 3pm and should arrive at Plagne Villages at approximately 3:45pm. Expect music, giveaways and that classic carnival feel.
Tour de France in La Plagne: My Recommended Kit
Watching the Tour de France up here is going to be an amazing experience! But a bit of planning makes the day so much easier (especially with kids in tow).
Here’s what we always pack for a fun, stress-free day on the move:
✅ Comfy folding chairs and/or a picnic blanket — trust me, you’ll be waiting a while!
✅ Plenty of snacks & drinks — plus a cool bag or backpack to keep them fresh.
✅ Hats, sun cream & sunglasses — Alpine sun can catch you out.
✅ Power bank — for keeping phones charged for photos and live tracking.
✅ Binoculars — great for kids to spot the riders from further away.
✅ Rain poncho or packable jacket — mountain weather can flip in minutes.
I’ve rounded up all my tried-and-tested gear here and there's some extra stuff in there as well to make the day easier and more comfortable! Take a look if you need to top up your kit before you come!
How to Get to the Finish Line in La Plagne
With road closures (more on this below!), shuttle cut-offs, and steep climbs involved, reaching the finish line of L’Étape du Tour or the Tour de France Stage 19 in La Plagne takes some planning.
Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to access the final climb and finish area. Whether you’re coming from within La Plagne or arriving from the valley.
Recommended Access Points to the Finish Area
From Plagne Bellecôte
Take the Colosses chairlift or hike the Dou du Praz footpath to reach the final section of the climb.
From Belle Plagne
Follow the footpath to Dou du Praz and approach the finish line on foot.
From Plagne Aime 2000
Take the Télémétro to Plagne Centre, then walk up to Plagne Villages. In a very late update to the information from the resort, the Telebus lift is only open for those working on the event.
From Plagne Centre / Soleil
A few parking spaces may be available early in the day. From there, you'll need to walk up to which ever point you choose to stop at. The Telebus lift from Plagne Centre to Villages is only open for those working on the event.
Fan Zones & Live Broadcast Areas
If you’d rather soak up the atmosphere without tackling the climb to the summit, there are fan zones across the resort where you can watch a live broadcast and join in the celebrations:
- Plagne Centre: Place Albert Perrière, open 12:00–21:00 on 25 July 2025
- Plagne Centre: Under Aspen, 12:00–18:00
- Montalbert: Salle Alto, 13:00–18:00
- Les Coches: Place du Carreau, 13:00–18:00
- Champagny-en-Vanoise: Place du Centre, 13:00–18:00
Local tip: I recommend planning your day so you can either walk up to the finish line early or base yourselves at a fan zone for an easy family-friendly option.
Finish Line Map & Layout
To make this even easier, I’ve included a downloadable map of the finish line plan and layout so you can see exactly where everything is. Check the image below or download it to your phone before race day.
La Plagne Road Closures for the Tour de France
Race day in the Alps means strict road closures, limited shuttles, and tight parking rules, so planning ahead is essential. Here’s exactly what you need to know for the Tour de France Stage 19 on Friday, 25 July 2025:
RN90 Closure
- The RN90 will be closed between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Aime from 11am to 6pm
- Recommended detour: D86 > Les Chapelles > Valezan > La Côte d’Aime > Aime (both directions)
Mountain Road Access (D221)
- The road up to La Plagne (D221) will be closed from 11am to 9pm (from the Macot roundabout)
- Descent from high-altitude sites to the valley is forbidden from 11am to 9pm
- Montalbert road access will be closed from 11am to 9pm
Arrival Zones & Local Closures
- Plagne Villages: closed to all vehicles from Thursday 24 July at 8am until Friday 25 July at 11pm
- Plagne Soleil: (road closed from Plagne Centre roundabout) closed from Thursday 24 July at 6pm until Friday 25 July at 11pm
Local tip: Gendarmerie will regulate access, so plan to be parked or settled well before the closures start. If you’re staying in resort, walking or using lifts before 11am is your best bet.
Parking at the Tour de France La Plagne
Parking Restrictions
- Plagne Soleil (logistics zone): no parking from 23 to 26 July
- Plagne Villages (arrival zone): no parking from 10 – 26 July
- Final shuttle access from the valley: Thursday 24 July, 6pm
Recommended parking at altitude and pedestrian access to the finish line
- Plagne Aime 2000 then Télémétro + walking up
- Plagne Bellecôte then Colosses chairlift or Dou du Praz footpath
- Belle Plagne then footpath to Dou du Praz
- Plagne Centre / Soleil → a few places available then access to the footpaths
Shuttle Access
- Last shuttle from valley: Thursday 24 July, 6pm
- Inter-village shuttles (Bellecôte, 1800, Centre) operate until road closures begin at 11am
Motorhomes and Camper Vans
- Designated parking available at Les Mines or Décathlon car parks (Plagne 1800), or further down at La Roche (top of the bobsleigh run)
- No camping-car access allowed above Plagne 1800
Local tip: Want the least stressful arrival? Stay in-resort the night before and walk to your viewing spot in the morning. No risk of roadblocks or traffic delays.
Best Photo Spots on the La Plagne Climb
Capture unforgettable moments with these top locations:
- Bobsleigh track ramp: Dramatic angle, steep gradient, and fans packed tight, ideal for slow-motion hero shots as riders push into the finishing kilometre.
- Hairpins 10–15: These sweeping bends below Plagne 1800 offer great visibility. Photographers can catch riders from multiple angles, with stunning mountain backdrops. But to be honest, any of the hairpins are going to offer great angles to get photos from!
- Plagne Centre foothills: Less crowded, easier walking access, and early arrival gives you more flexibility. Perfect for relaxed family-friendly candids or kids playing while you shoot.
- Finish line area (Plagne Villages, 2,052 m): Official finish-line atmosphere, live TV coverage, and podium presentations mean you can get both action and emotion in one shot.
Tip: consider using a zoom lens (70–200 mm or similar), a mini tripod or monopod for stability, and arrive with light backpacks, ideal for quick moves between spots.
Top Tips for Enjoying the Tour de France in La Plagne with Your Family
Here’s the section Sarah (and many parents like her) will be most grateful for—practical advice that’ll make race day a whole lot smoother.
Where to Watch the Race
- Bobsleigh track ramp: The final climb includes a stretch up La Plagne’s famous bobsleigh track road: steep, dramatic, and lined with fans. Great atmosphere and unique visuals.
- Hairpin bends: Find a spot on one of the 24 hairpins near Plagne 1800 or the entrance to La Plagne Villages. These are brilliant for photos and atmosphere, and you’ll see riders at their slowest.
- Finish line area: Expect crowds but also live commentary, sponsor caravans, and more of the Tour ‘buzz’. If your kids are into the event, this is where to soak up the big-race energy.
- Avoiding the crowds: Head to earlier parts of the climb before Plagne Centre for more space, a gentler vibe, and easier walking access.
Where to Stay
- Peak Feeling: My go-to recommendation for family accommodation in La Plagne. They build bespoke holidays for you, choose from catered or self-catered chalets, hotels, apartments and more. Plus so many ideal options for groups and families.
- Village areas: Plagne Centre is the most central. Plagne Villages is usually quite quiet but with this being the finish line, if you want that VIP buzz, here or Plagne Soleil could be a great option. Don’t forget Plagne 1800 or Aime 2000, both of which offer slightly easier access to quieter viewpoints. Booking early is absolutely essential for this week.
Where to Eat
- Many local restaurants operate on a winter seasonal basis. But I’m absolutely certain some will open just for race week. Confirm ahead where possible.
- I’d recommend:
- Le Baryon in Plagne Soleil
- Loup Blanc in Plagne 1800
- Le Vega in Plagne Centre
- Floe in Plagne Centre
- I’d recommend:
- Takeaway/picnic: Pick up supplies from the boulangerie or supermarket early in the day. Great for finding a quiet picnic spot along the course without needing to rush a sit-down meal. This is most likely what we will do with our kids so we don’t have to worry about moving around too much with them.
- Après-race: La Plagne Centre will likely host live music, pop-up food stalls, and race recaps. Ideal for an early dinner or a treat for the kids after a long day outdoors. Don’t forget, a lot of the teams will shoot off quickly to get in position and ready for the start the following day which is not in La Plagne.
Getting Around & Road Closures
- Road closures: Expect roads to La Plagne to close early on race day, usually from late morning until the evening. These include the main D221 and D223.
- Best arrival plan: Drive or shuttle to the bottom of the climb early in the day, then hike or use lifts (if running) to access higher points.
- Parking: Very limited. Consider parking in the valley and using pedestrian access routes up to your chosen viewpoint. You can find more information on the best La Plagne car parks here.
- Mobility tips: Bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, layers, and even waterproofs, mountain weather can shift quickly. A small camping mat or blanket can make all the difference if you’re on a grassy slope.
- Shuttle buses: La Plagne has a free shuttle bus service, but expect it to be busy and hopefully with some additional services to support the crowds expected.
Family-Friendly Advice
- Bring activities: Sticker books, binoculars, even toy bikes for the kids to play on while waiting. The peloton takes just minutes to pass, but there’s often hours of waiting.
- Caravan time: The Tour caravan (a fun procession of sponsor floats) passes around 2 hours before the peloton. Kids LOVE it! Freebies, music, and colourful madness.
- Set a meeting point: If you’re splitting up, or the kids wander, agree on a recognisable meeting point in advance.
Top Tips: Combine the Tour with a Summer Holiday in La Plagne
As someone who lives in La Plagne and loves the buzz of the Tour, I’m genuinely thrilled to see it return. It’s more than a bike race. It’s a mountain celebration, a community event, and a unique experience to share with your kids.
It’s also a reminder that our resorts don’t go to sleep after the snow melts. La Plagne in summer is full of outdoor activities, sunny hikes, and now, a world-class cycling event that makes it even more worth the trip.
Make the most of your trip by pairing the Tour de France with outdoor adventures:
- Mountain biking & downhill trails: Make use of La Plagne's Bike Park, with green-to-black runs and electric‑assist MTB paths. Learn more in my Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking.
- Paragliding: Try paragliding tandem flights or canopy courses in Champagny‑en‑Vanoise. Did you know kids from the age of 5 can go paragliding in La Plagne!
- White Water Rafting: Hit the rapids in the valley below La Plagne. Take on the Isere river for an adrenaline rush and some incredible scenery along the way. Find out more about La Plagne’s best white water rafting.
- Trail running and walking:
- Hit the pool: The perfect way to cool off over the summer. Find out about La Plagne’s swiming pools.
- Spa time! The La Plagne Deep Nature Spa is a great option to relax and unwind in summer as well as winter.
And don't forget to grab your La Plagne, Tour de France essentials to plan the perfect day out this summer.
FAQ: Tour de France 2025 in La Plagne
What date is the Tour de France coming to La Plagne?
The race arrives in La Plagne on Friday 25 July 2025 as part of Stage 19 from Albertville.
What time should we arrive to watch the race?
Aim to arrive by late morning to get a good viewing spot and avoid road closures. The sponsor caravan usually passes through around 1.30pm, with the riders expected mid to late afternoon depending on race pace.
Where is the best place to watch the race with children?
The lower hairpins near Plagne 1800 or Plagne Centre offer great views and a slightly quieter experience than the finish line. There’s also space for a picnic and a bit of a run-around while you wait.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes, but it requires a bit of planning. Bring activities, snacks, and set up early. Choose a less crowded area if you’re worried about being hemmed in.
Will there be toilets and food available on the mountain?
There will be temporary toilet facilities near the finish and possibly at key viewing points. Bring your own toilet roll and hand gel. Some restaurants and bars may open, but pack a picnic just in case.
What about parking and road access?
Expect road closures from late morning on race day. Parking is limited in the higher resorts, so it’s best to park lower down and either walk or take shuttle transport up if available.
Can I still book accommodation for that week?
Yes, but options are going fast. I recommend checking with Peak Feeling, a great option for family-friendly stays in La Plagne.
Are there any events for kids during the Tour?
La Plagne often sets up family zones with games and activities, especially around Plagne Centre. These are usually free and a great way to keep little ones entertained before the race arrives.
Will lifts be running?
Yes, the lifts are open for summer mountain biking. Some can be used by pedestrians, but you will need a lift pass for them.
What should we bring?
Layers for changing weather, sun cream, water, snacks, binoculars, something to sit on, and ear protection if your child is sensitive to noise. And a flag or banner always adds to the fun!
